Catheter with associated extension lumen

ABSTRACT

An intra-luminal device for the extraction of occlusive or partially occlusive material is disclosed. The device includes a novel catheter extension which minimizes cavitation of extracted fluids and also allows the better navigation of tortuous lumens or vasculature.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/401,407, filed Mar. 28, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,316,678, which isassigned to the same assignee as this invention and whose disclosure isfully incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of aspiration catheters for a variety of medical procedures hasbeen well established, including the use of aspiration catheters forremoving blood, obstructions, thrombus, or debris from blood vessels.This can be accomplished using manual means, like a hand pump orsyringe, or mechanical means such as mechanical pump. Aspirationcatheters have taken the form of simple single-lumen catheters or morecomplicated multi-lumen catheters. Perhaps the most common aspirationsperformed in blood vessels are those involving aspirations of thrombusthrough single lumen tubes that are opened to atmospheric pressure.These aspirations are commonly performed during surgery, or donepercutaneously during coronary or peripheral interventions.

One problem common to all aspiration catheters is the natural tendencyof the viscous blood to resist flow in channels, especially when thesechannels are small and long as they are with typical catheters, seee.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,909 (Bagaoisan et al.). This resistance istermed ‘viscous loss’ and higher viscosity fluids or longer cathetersrequire higher pressures to maintain sufficient flow, see e.g., U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,833,644 and 6,022,336 (Zadno-Azizi et al.). This becomes adifficult challenge when using aspiration catheters inside blood vesselssince the pressure differential available to move the blood is nevergreater than atmospheric pressure and is often quite lower. Therefore,optimizing the channel size or ID of the catheter while maintaining asmall OD of the catheter becomes a primary design requirement. Given thephysical constraints of this problem, effective aspiration catheters arelimited to ID's approximating 1 mm or larger for catheters longer than100 cm. Hemodialysis catheters readily overcome this problem with largeID's, however these catheters are very short, see e.g. U.S. Pat. No.6,568,329 (Mahurkar) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,195,962 (Martin et al.). Longerlengths of this catheter design would not function in an intra-thoracicprocedure.

Another problem common to blood vessel catheters is maneuverability.That is, the ability for the catheter to be advanced into small tortuousvessels with ease. This requires small catheter diameters (and flexiblematerials), which is directly at odds with optimizing aspiration flow.In aspiration catheter constructions that involve additional functionsbeyond simple aspiration and thus require multiple lumens, this isespecially problematic.

An aspiration catheter that is capable of being advanced into distallocations and directed beyond multiple branch points in the vasculaturewhile being capable of suitable aspiration volumes would be desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The various embodiments of the present invention overcome these notedshortcomings of the art (e.g., cavitation in long catheters, andnavigability of tortuous vasculature), as well as other shortcomings.The various exemplary embodiments providing these advantages follow.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a system foraccessing lumens or other vasculature in living beings for thefacilitation of intraluminal or other medical procedures, with thesystem basically comprising a first catheter, a catheter extension, anda control/locating member. The first catheter has a proximal end and adistal end with a channel therebetween; and the catheter extensioncomprises a proximal end and a distal end with an extension channeltherebetween. The first catheter may be arranged to slidably andtelescopically accept the catheter extension in said channel with saidcatheter extension thereby creating an overlapping segment between thecatheters. The telescoping of the catheters will cause said channel andsaid extension channel to operate together to form a contiguous channel.

The control member has a proximal and a distal end with an elongate bodyarranged therebetween, and the control member may be attached to thecatheter extension (e.g., at the proximal end, or along the side) andthe elongate body extending through the channel in said first catheterat least to the proximal end of said extension catheter. In thisarrangement the control member will cause the catheter extension to beat least partially expelled from said channel, or rotated in saidchannel, in said first catheter upon the application of a pushing force.Likewise, a pulling force would cause the retraction of the extensioncatheter into the lumen.

It is anticipated that the preferred embodiment will include anextension catheter having a length that is less than that of said firstcatheter, although this dimension is not critical. The overlap regionmay affect the amount of liquid drawn in (i.e., leaked) to the channelfrom the lumen, during use. The degree of the fit between the outside ofthe extension catheter and the inside of the first catheter will also bea key factor. This design contemplates and tolerates some leakage atthis overlap region; however it is also recognized that an element(e.g., a bushing, washer, or flange) may be used to decrease thiseffect.

A preferred embodiment of this disclosure contemplates tubular cathetersof round cross section, but other cross sectional geometries may bebeneficial (e.g., to aid in steering or flexibility). Additionally,embodiments may comprise catheters (either primary or first catheters aswell as extension catheters) which have decreasing diameters toward thedistal end. These decreasing outside diameters may be accompanied bydecreasing channel diameters, or the channels may remain constant.

In a preferred embodiment, the elongate body comprises a guide-wirepassageway arranged between its proximal and distal ends to slidablyaccept a guide-wire. This guide-wire may also have a distal protectionballoon or filter. Alternatively, the guide-wire may travel through thecontiguous channel in the first catheter and the extension catheter.

A mixed-mode guide-wire arrangement may also be employed where theguide-wire runs through a portion of the channel, and enters aguide-wire passageway at some interface; with the interface being in thefirst catheter or the extension catheter.

In a preferred embodiment the elongate body comprises a fluid passagewayarranged between its proximal and distal ends, with said fluidpassageway arranged to infuse a liquid (e.g., saline, contrast media,drugs, biologically active agents, or any combinations thereof) at saiddistal end of said elongate body. This fluid passageway may also beemployed with a guide-wire passageway (e.g., the previously discussedembodiment).

A preferred embodiment also utilizes a vacuum source (e.g., syringe orpump) attached to the contiguous channel to remove liquid (e.g.,infusate and blood or other bodily fluid) together with any debris(e.g., atherosclerotic plaque, thrombus, tissue, or any combinationthereof) which may be created during said procedure.

The various embodiments herein comprising infusion and extractioncontemplate infusion rates or volumes higher or lower than aspirationrates. It is recognized that an extraction rate higher than an infusionrate should yield in the removal of blood from the body. This may alsoafford some additional protection from emboli or other debris, as theremoval of additional fluid should cause the clearing the proceduralarea and proximate areas of debris.

The introduction of infusate may be performed at high pressure which maybe caused by small orifices in the extension catheter, whereby theinfusate causes liquid jets to be directed from the extension catheter.These jets may be directed proximally, distally, or radially outward, orany combination thereof. Proximal jets may also assist the entry ofdebris into any aspiration opening in the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1,2,3 a, 4 a, 5 a, 6 a, 7 a, and 8 a-8 c are isometric schematicviews of various embodiments of the assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 3 b is a cross-sectional schematic views of the assembly of FIG. 3a taken at section 3′-3′.

FIG. 4 b is a cross-sectional schematic views of the assembly of FIG. 4a taken at section 4′-4′.

FIGS. 5 b, 5 c and 5 d are cross-sectional schematic views of theassembly of FIG. 5 a taken at sections 5′-5′, 5″-5″ and 5′″-5′″,respectively.

FIGS. 6 b, 6 c and 6 d are cross-sectional schematic views of theassembly of FIG. 6 a taken at sections 6′-6′, 6″-6″ and 6′″-6′″,respectively.

FIGS. 7 b, 7 c and 7 d are cross-sectional schematic views of theassembly of FIG. 7 a taken at sections 7′-7′, 7″-7″ and 7′″-7′″,respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is among the objects of the present invention to facilitateintravascular or intra-luminal procedures, especially the clearing of anoccluded lumen by, in various preferred embodiments, providing a devicefor use in delivering infusion/irrigation to the lumen, causingextraction of any debris, and providing distal protection necessary forthe procedure.

Various embodiments will include, among other things, an infusate fluidpathway, and an extraction pathway, pumping means, distal protectionmeans, guidewires, a primary or guide catheter, a catheter extension,and a locating member, various arrangements of these components arediscussed below.

Extraction Pathway

The invention overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art including, butnot limited to, the incorporation of measures necessary to reduce theoccurrence of cavitation within the extraction pathway of the device.The invention is such that it has the ability to efficiently withdrawfluid and debris from the body via the extraction pathway, with lowpressure drop and without incurring cavitation. Contrasted with theprior art, wherein fluid and debris may be extracted, however theextraction rate is necessarily much lower due to the nature of the priorart embodiments being more susceptible to cavitation than is the presentinvention. The prior designs have traditionally been of a ‘lumen withina lumen’ design, or alternatively ‘side by side’ lumens extendingsubstantially equal lengths and either forming concentric walls oradjacent walls with spaces between serving as the infusion andextraction pathways. The presence of these walls has the effect oflimiting or occluding the extraction pathway, and as a result, in orderto avoid cavitation with the prior art devices, extraction vacuum mustbe lower and exerted over a longer period of time in order to performthe extraction procedure, as due to the viscous nature of the fluids,they must move at a very low rate in order to avoid cavitation fromoccurring within the long narrow channels. As described herein, thesubject invention attempts to maximize the diameter of the extractionpathway, and where the extraction pathway must be smaller to reachfurther into the body, the narrower portion is kept shorter in length,possibly much shorter in length than the entire extraction pathway, andsituated distally from a vacuum source.

The extraction pathway is driven by a vacuum created by the vacuumsource, such as any aspiration pump known in the art. The vacuum sourceis preferably located near the body while undergoing the procedure, butmay be located remotely from the body as well. The vacuum source isoperatively connected to the inside channel of a first catheter. Thefirst catheter encompasses a channel with a proximal and distal end, andis typical of catheters known in the art. In use, the first catheterextends distally towards and into the living body, while the proximalend of the first catheter remains in operative contact to the vacuumsource. The proximal end of the first catheter is of a size suitable forinsertion into the living body and directed towards the affected oroccluded lumen of the living being by traveling into the vasculature ofthe living being via an access point, typically from an incision orpuncture into an artery located in the thigh; however, access may begained at any location known to the art.

In order to reach more tortuous vasculature, a catheter extension isprovided, and in use is operatively received in the first catheter. Theoutside diameter of the catheter extension must be such that it may fitwithin the inside diameter of the first catheter. In this manner thechannel of the catheter extension is operatively connected to thechannel of the first catheter, forming a contiguous channel or pathway.Additionally, the catheter extension is capable of being movably orslidably operated in the first catheter. Thus, there is an overlappingregion where at least a portion of the channel of the catheter extensionis located within the channel of the first catheter. The extent orlength of this overlapping region or segment will vary in accordancewith the extent that the catheter extension is extended from, orretracted back into the first catheter. The catheter extension may bedirected into place by a location member or a control member, which isoperatively connected to at least a portion of the catheter extension ator near the distal end of the control member. In use, the proximal endof the control member is arranged to extend out of the body, enablingthe user to exert a force on the control member, for example, thecontrol member may be pushed, pulled, or twisted depending on thesteering needs for the catheter extension. The pushing, pulling andtwisting forces exerted upon the control member will direct the catheterextension in extension, retraction, and rotation, respectively, relativeto the distal end of the first catheter.

In use, at least the proximal end of the catheter extension ismaintained within the channel of the first catheter, and the catheterextension maybe extended outward distally from the distal end of thecatheter. The design and construction of the catheter extension enablesit to extend further into the vasculature than the first catheter, bynavigating more tortuous bends and smaller diameter vessels to reach theaffected or occluded area of a lumen or vessel (i.e., a blood vessel).This is at least partially due to the smaller outside diameter of thecatheter extension (relative to the first catheter), but it may also bedue to the construction or the geometry of the catheter extension, aswill be discussed later.

The vacuum source is capable of drawing into the catheter extension anydebris released into the area during the procedure, together with anyinfusate. The debris released may include atherosclerotic plaque,thrombus, tissue or any combination thereof. In use, the debris is drawnby vacuum into the distal opening of the catheter extension, and thendrawn through the length of the channel of the catheter extension, andinto the channel formed by the larger bore of the first catheter, andultimately to a collection point located outside the body such as adebris trap or collection bag associated with the vacuum source.

The vacuum applied must be capable of drawing debris and sufficientvolume from a distance (i.e., at least one, but more typically two ormore meters) through a narrow catheter suitably sized for use in thevasculature of a living being. For these reasons, a relatively strongvacuum, aspiration or extraction pump is required. Vacuum levels oftenare at least 300 mm Hg, occasionally as high as 700-760 mm Hg. Given thelevel of the vacuum required, there is a concern of cavitation, theoccurrence of bubbles, within the extraction pathway created by thevacuum. If bubbles are produced, the volume of fluid in the removalchannel increases and the rate of debris removal may be drasticallydecreased.

The fluid dynamics in an arrangement described above are such that thehighest vacuum levels would be found closest to the vacuum source(towards the proximal end of the extraction pathway), with the vacuumlevels diminishing further away from the source (towards the distal endof the extraction pathway). This effect is due mainly to the viscosityof the fluid in contact with the perimeter of fluid bore. For thesereasons, vacuum levels decrease the further the point is from the vacuumsource.

Once the fluid and debris is drawn by the vacuum source, from therelatively narrow catheter extension channel into the relatively largerchannel of the first catheter, cavitation is less likely in the largerinner diameter of the first catheter channel. This reduced cavitation isdue to the lessened frictional effects due to the larger inner diameterof the first catheter channel, relative to the smaller bored catheterextension channel. The fluid in the larger bore will experience lessdrag and can offer greater flow yet at a slower velocity.

Infusate Fluid Pathway

The subject invention is also designed to flush or infuse the affectedor occluded area of the vessel with an infusate fluid. The infusate mayadditionally be used as a means of delivering a drug or biologicallyactive agent to the area. In an alternate embodiment, the infusate maybe a saline solution being utilized to agitate or flush out any debrisfrom the occluded area. In yet another embodiment, the infusate may be acontrast media, which would allow visualization of the procedure by anymeans known in the art, such as by fluoroscopy or MRI. A preferredembodiment may be a combination of a plurality of different infusatemedia, combining flushing properties along with drug or agent deliveryproperties within the same infusate fluid. Alternatively, during theprocedure, different fluids may be infused, for example, a contrastmedia may be infused to visualize the area, followed by a salinesolution to clear debris during the procedure, finally followed by adrug or beneficial agent delivered in a fluid, to treat the area. It isrecognized that the infusate may be delivered at a rate equal to ordifferent from the rate of extraction or aspiration of fluid via theextraction pathway. In a preferred embodiment, a rate of infusion isabout 80% that of the rate of aspiration. In this manner, the removal ofthe debris is ensured, in order to minimize contaminating the bloodstream with loose debris.

An infusion pump, preferably located near the living body undergoing theprocedure, drives the infusate through the infusate pathway, however itis recognized that the infusion pump may be located away from the bodyas well, and the pressurized fluid delivered via a conduit. Instead of apump arrangement, any pressurized system may be utilized to deliver theinfusate fluid, e.g. pressure from compression upon a reservoir, orelevation may supply the required pressure. The infusion system must becapable of achieving pressures high enough to deliver the infusion fluidthrough a fluid passageway running at least the length of a contiguouschannel comprising the channels of both the catheter and the catheterextension while in use. The fluid passageway may comprise an infusionlumen dedicated solely for delivery of infusate, or in anotherembodiment the fluid passageway may additionally serve as a lumen for aguidewire, to be discussed below.

The infusate fluid may exit the catheter extension in a gentle manner,to gently lavage the target area, or alternatively the infusate may exitin the form of higher velocity jets or streams to more effectivelyagitate and generate debris. In one possible embodiment, a single streammay exit the distal end of the fluid passageway, typically at or nearthe distal end of the catheter extension, as shown in FIG. 8 a. As usedin this application, the term “stream” encompasses a flow of liquidthrough an outlet, the flow may be in various forms, including but notlimited to a fan spray, or a focused jet, either in a pulsating orsteady manner. In an alternate embodiment, there may be a plurality ofstreams exiting the distal end of the fluid pathway, either directedradially outward from the central axis of the fluid pathway, as shown inFIG. 8 b, or coaxially with the axis of the fluid pathway, or acombination of both orientations. Streams directed radially out from thefluid passageway directed towards the inner walls of the blood vesselmay be useful to clear debris from the blood vessel wall. Streamsdirected coaxially in a distal orientation may be utilized to break upocclusions that are completely, or less than completely blocking theblood vessel and blood flow therethrough. As shown in FIG. 8 c, anystreams directed coaxially and in a proximal direction may be useful tobreak up debris, but primarily may be utilized to create a flow towardsthe extraction pathway via the catheter extension's distal end, therebydrawing in debris to be removed from the body. In a preferredembodiment, at least a portion of the infusate fluid stream may bedirected toward the distal end of the catheter extension, in this mannerdrawing the generated debris into the extraction pathway, with theremainder of the infusate fluid directed as needed to agitate and removedebris, e.g., radially towards the inner wall of the blood vessel.

Depending upon the direction of fluid flow; that is, depending uponwhether the overlapping segment is part of the extraction pathway, orpart of the infusate pathway, one might suppose that there could beleakage of fluid either out of, or into, the assembly at this location,since the assembly during operation is maintained at a pressure that isabove or below (e.g., vacuum) the pressure of the surroundingenvironment within the body of the being. To the extent that this is aconcern, one may wish to incorporate a sealing means such as anelastomeric washer at this overlap segment, and in particular locatingthe sealing means between the outer wall of the catheter extension andthe inner wall of the first catheter. On the other hand, the pressure orvacuum difference from inside to outside of the assembly at this pointoften is not that large. Further, the overlapping segment usually issufficiently long and the gap between walls sufficiently small that theamount of leakage of fluid, either in or out, generally will be deminimus.

GW Arrangement Alternatives

It is recognized that the components comprising the invention may beassembled in several arrangements to achieve the desired embodiment of acatheter having a controllable catheter extension, the assembly beingcapable of infusing and aspirating fluid and debris.

Referring now to the various figures of the drawings, wherein likereference characters refer to like parts, there is shown a possibleembodiment of the assembly 10, as it is to be used within thevasculature of the body. In this embodiment, the first catheter 12 ispartially cut away in order to more clearly depict the catheterextension 14, and the catheter extension proximal end 27. In use, thecatheter extension may be extended out from the first catheter 12 andcontrolled by the control member 16 upon application of a force appliedat the control member proximal end 19, located outside the body. In thisembodiment, a standard connector branch is shown affixed to the firstcatheter proximal end 24. Furthermore the control member 16 and aguidewire 18 extend through the connector branch into the first catheter12, and through the length of the contiguous channel formed by the firstcatheter channel and the catheter extension channel (to be discussedlater). In use the first catheter is extended into the vasculature ofthe body, and directed therethrough along the guidewire. The distalportion of the assembly is herein depicted having a control member witha distal end 30 wherein the guidewire 18 is slidably arrangedtherethrough. In this embodiment, the guidewire 18 is shown having adistal protection device, in this case a balloon is depicted, howeverother distal protection devices may be utilized.

FIG. 2 depicts a possible embodiment of the assembly 10 of the presentinvention, wherein the assembly as shown may utilize a standardguidewire (not shown) as known in the art to facilitate the positioningof the assembly, however the assembly does not require the guidewire tobe in place during use.

In embodiments where a guidewire is inside the device throughout itsuse, the guidewire may be initially directed to a place within the bodyundergoing the procedure. The assembly may then be inserted over theguide wire, or attached alongside the guide wire, using procedures knownin the art, whereupon the assembly may be directed along the length ofthe guidewire, to arrive at or near the vasculature to be treated. Theguidewire may then be removed from the body or partially withdrawn fromthe area before use. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the assemblyincorporates the guidewire, wherein the guidewire may be left in placewhile the procedure is completed.

For the use of the embodiments wherein the guide wire is left in placeduring the procedure, the guidewire may incorporate the use of anysuitable distal protection elements or devices known in the art, forexample a balloon or an umbrella filter may be deployed distal to thearea to be treated. These techniques serve to prevent any debrisgenerated during the procedure from traveling throughout thevasculature, and potentially causing a stroke or embolism.

FIG. 2 depicts the assembly 10 as it would be used during a procedurewithin a body, with the guide wire having been removed. The firstcatheter 12 serves as the larger diameter lumen, and is capable oftraveling into the vasculature along the larger arteries and bloodvessels, but is limited in penetration by the diameter and reducedflexibility of the larger diameter of the first catheter 12. It isrecognized that either or both the first catheter and the catheterextension may vary in size along its respective lengths. In a preferredembodiment (not shown), the catheter extension 14 will be of a largeroverall diameter at the catheter extension's proximal end 27 and asmaller overall diameter at the catheter extension's distal end 28,reducing in overall diameter either gradually or in a punctuated manner.It is recognized that the reduction in diameter may be uniform over thelength of the catheter extension 14 or limited to at least one portionof the catheter extension, in order to maximize strength and flexibilityas required for specific needs. Similarly, the diameter of the catheterextension channel 23 may be larger at the catheter extension proximalend 27 than at the catheter extension distal end 28. In this manner, theincreased flexibility required for the more vasculature regions isachieved, without decreasing the strength of the catheter extension.

The catheter extension 14 may be inserted into the body simultaneouslywith the insertion of the first catheter 12 over or alongside the guidewire (not shown). Alternatively and more preferably, the catheterextension 14 may be inserted into the first catheter channel 22 at thefirst catheter proximal end 24, and directed through the first catheterchannel 22 towards the first catheter distal end 26 after the firstcatheter 12 is in place within the vasculature of the body. Theinsertion of the catheter extension 14 into the first catheter channel22, and subsequently into the body, may be made after the completeremoval or partial withdrawal of the guide wire.

The catheter extension 14 may be operatively controlled by a controlmember 16, which is connected to at least the catheter extension'sproximal end 27. Alternatively, the control member 16 may be affixedalong the entire length of the catheter extension 14. It is recognizedthe control member 16 may not extend distally beyond the catheterextension proximal end 27; alternatively, the control member 16 mayextend as far as the catheter extension distal end 28; or alternatively,the control member 16 may extend distally beyond the catheter extensiondistal end 28 as shown in FIG. 2, as will be discussed. The controlmember's proximal end 29 extends proximally outside the body, therebyallowing the user access to the control member 16, in order to enableoperative control, such that by pulling on the control member's proximalend 29, the catheter extension 14 may be retracted proximally toward andinto the first catheter channel 22; conversely a pushing force exertedupon the control member's proximal end 29 may provide distal extensionof the catheter extension 14 further into the vasculature, and out fromthe first catheter channel 22.

The control member 16 may be a strand, wire, filament or remaining wallsection suitable for directing the movement of the catheter extension14. The construction may be of any material suitable to resistcompression and extension forces, as well as being capable of resistingtorquing forces, such that the catheter extension 14 may be directed bytwisting the control member proximal end 29. Additionally, and asdepicted by the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the control member 16 mayalso serve to deliver infusate liquid. Whether the control member is tobe utilized to deliver infusate or not, it is recognized that thecontiguous channel may be utilized as a lumen for bi-directional flow,varying the flow direction as needed by attaching either an aspirationmeans or infusion means to the connector branch or first catheterproximal end as required. In the embodiment having a control membercapable of delivering infusate, the control member 16 may feature alumen from the control member proximal end 29 to an opening or pluralityof openings located at or near the control member distal end 30. Thecontrol member proximal end 29 may be operatively connected to apressurized infusion system or to an outlet from an infusion pump (notshown). The connection (not shown) may be of any connection known in theart, including a threaded connection (i.e., a luer lock or screw typefitting), or a pressure fit connection (i.e., a touhy-bourst connector),or any suitable means to connect two lumens and allow pressurized flowof liquid therethrough.

The control member distal end 30 of an infusate delivering embodimentmay have an end opening 32, wherein the pressurized infusate would flowstraight out of the distal end 30. Alternatively, the control memberdistal end 30 may be shaped or curved to direct the flow of the infusateor to enable steering of the catheter extension. It is recognized thatthe control member distal end 30 may incorporate a unique head, adaptedfor distributing or dispensing the infusate, or alternatively mayincorporate a floppy tip (not shown), as known in the art, the floppytip serving to reduce damage to the vascular system in use, yet still becapable of delivery of infusate if required through openings.

In any of the embodiments wherein the control member is arranged todeliver infusate, the control member distal end 30 may have a singleopening or a plurality of openings to allow the flow of infusatetherethrough, as will be discussed. The infusate fluid may flow, underpressure maintained through the infusate pathway, through at least oneopening at or near the control member distal end 30, into the area to betreated. The flow of fluid may be gentle, in order to wash the area tobe treated, or alternatively, the flow may be at a velocity such that atleast one jet may be formed. A jet or plurality of jets may serve tobreak up any occlusion or partial occlusion (e.g., thrombus, plaque,tissue, or clot) in the vessel by ablating or disrupting the occlusion.In this manner, an occlusion may be removed and free fluid flow throughthe vessel may be restored.

FIGS. 3 a and b depict an alternate embodiment of the assembly 10,wherein the assembly further comprises a guide wire 18, which isarranged through a contiguous channel formed by the combination of thefirst catheter channel 22 and the catheter extension channel 23. Thefirst catheter 12 and the catheter extension 14 may travel along theguidewire 18 in order to reach the area of the vasculature to betreated. Once at the affected area, the guide wire 18 may be left inplace. As specifically shown in FIG. 3 b, the guide wire 18 is arrangedthrough the catheter extension channel 23.

Another alternate arrangement for the passage of a guidewire through theassembly is shown by FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, wherein the guide wire 18 isarranged through a contiguous channel formed by the combination of thefirst catheter channel 22 and the catheter extension channel 23 asdescribed earlier, and the guide wire 18 is further arranged to passthrough the control member distal end 30. In this manner, the assemblymay be slidably directed along the guidewire 18, wherein the controlmember distal end 30, as well as the contiguous channel will slidablyfollow the bends of the guidewire 18. As specifically shown in FIG. 4 b,the guide wire 18 is arranged through the catheter extension channel 23.

Yet another alternate arrangement of the assembly is depicted by FIGS. 5a, 5 b and 5 c, wherein the guidewire 18 is arranged so that at least aportion of both the first catheter channel 22 and the interior lumen ofthe control member 16 entrain the guide wire. The guidewire 18 isdirected through an interface 40 located between the first catheterchannel 22 and the lumen of the control member 16. The interface 40functions as an opening designed to facilitate the passage of theguidewire 18 therethrough, and at the same time prevent leakage or fluidexchange between the infusate pathway and the extraction pathway. Asspecifically shown in FIG. 5 b, the first catheter channel 22 and notthe lumen of the control member 16 acts as a passageway for the portionof the guidewire 18 proximal to the interface 40. Distal to interface40, the lumen of the control member 16 serves as a passageway for theportion of the guidewire 18, as illustrated in cross-section in FIGS. 5c and 5 d. This arrangement of the assembly 10 prevents the guidewire 18from traversing and partially occluding the narrower catheter extensionchannel 23. In this manner the cross-sectional area of the catheterextension channel 23 devoted to aspiration of debris is maximized,thereby minimizing the opportunity for cavitation or blockage. As theextraction pathway portion defined by the first catheter channel 22 islarger in diameter and cross-sectional area than that of the catheterextension channel 23, the guidewire may be arranged through the firstcatheter channel 22 with out significantly affecting the likelihood ofcavitation, as the most restricted portion would be in the catheterextension channel 23.

Still another alternative embodiment of the invention is depicted inFIG. 6 a-6 d, wherein the assembly 10 is depicted with the guidewire 18arranged to pass through the first catheter channel 22. In thisembodiment, the catheter extension channel 23 is completely open for theaspiration of debris, thereby maximizing the cross-sectional areaavailable for aspiration, and serving to minimize the potential forcavitation or occlusion of the aspiration pathway. As depicted in FIGS.6 b, 6 c and 6 d, the catheter extension channel 23 is unobstructed byany part of the device and the region of the assembly 10 that is distalto the first catheter's distal end 26 may be moved independently of theguide wire 18. These three Figures also show that the guide wire 18 isoutside of the lumen of the control member 16. It is recognized thatfurther arranging the guidewire 18 to pass through the control memberdistal end 30 may serve to enable the portion of the assembly 10 that isdistal to the first catheter's distal end 26 to be directed by theguidewire 18, without the side effect of reducing the cross-sectionalarea of the catheter extension channel 23 devoted to extraction.

FIGS. 7 a-7 d depict another alternate embodiment of the invention,wherein the assembly 10, further comprises a third lumen 62 throughwhich the guidewire 18 passes (see FIGS. 7 b, 7 c and 7 d). This thirdlumen 62 extending at least the length of the first catheter channel 22,and further extending distally from the first catheter 12, alongside thecatheter extension 14, and not within the catheter extension channel 23,as illustrated specifically in FIGS. 7 c and 7 d. As in the previousembodiment of FIG. 6, the aspiration through the catheter extensionchannel 23 is completely dedicated for the aspiration of debris, therebymaximizing the cross-sectional area available for aspiration, andserving to minimize the potential for cavitation or occlusion of theaspiration pathway. In order to prevent independent movement of theportion of the assembly distal to the first catheter's distal end 26, itis recognized (and as shown in FIG. 7 a) that the catheter extension 14may be slidably locked onto the guidewire 18, by arranging for theguidewire 18 and the third lumen 62 entraining the guide wire 18,attached to at least the control member's distal end 30. Alternatively,the third lumen 62 and the guidewire 18 may pass through and be slidablyattached at the control member distal end (similarly depicted in FIG. 4a). In this manner, when a pushing force is exerted upon the controlmember 16 by the user, the force will be transmitted by the controlmember 16 to the catheter extension 14, which upon extension from thefirst catheter 12, would follow the tract established by the guide wire18.

In each of the above embodiments, the first catheter 12 houses each ofthe other components of the assembly 10, and this is specificallyillustrated in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 3 b, 4 b, 5 d, 6 d,and 7 d.

As a safety measure, steps may be taken to prevent the overextension ofthe catheter extension out from the distal end of the first catheter.These steps may include the addition of a flange (not shown) on thecontrol member arranged to prevent the operator from pushing the controlmember excessively, as a flange larger than the opening of the firstcatheter would not be able to be inserted therein. Alternatively, visualmarkings may be applied to the control member, serving as a visualindicator at which point the catheter extension might be over extendedand protruding out from the first catheter.

FIGS. 8 a, b, and c depict various possible embodiments of the distalend of the control member, wherein the control member extends beyond thedistal end of the catheter extension and serves to deliver infusatefluid. FIG. 8 a depicts the control member 16 as having a distal opening32 at the control member distal end 30, wherein the infusate fluid willflowably exit the opening 32 as a stream in a coaxial and distaldirection. With this arrangement, the exiting stream may serve to blastthrough an occlusion in the vessel, by ablating the material creatingthe partial or complete blockage. With a lower rate of infusatedelivery, the area may be more gently washed by the infusate in order toclear any debris created during the procedure. Alternatively, FIG. 8 bdepicts the control member 16 as having a plurality of radial openings34, located at the control member distal end 30. The radial openingsserve to direct the streams of infusate outwards from the control member16, and against the vessel wall, in order to ablate or disturb anymaterial causing a partial blockage of the vessel. FIG. 8 c depicts anarrangement wherein the control member 16 incorporates a curve at thecontrol member distal end 30, such that a radial opening 34 will, as aresult of the curve, direct a stream coaxially, or nearly so, and in aproximal direction, such that fluid flow stream is towards the catheterextension distal end 28. In this manner, the infusate fluid along withany debris entrained within will be directed towards catheter extension14 to be drawn into the extraction pathway for removal from the body.

Thus since the invention disclosed herein may be embodied in otherspecific forms without departing from the spirit or generalcharacteristics thereof, some of which forms have been indicated, theembodiments described herein are to be considered in all respectsillustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is to beindicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoingdescription, and all changes that come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

1. A system for accessing lumens in living beings for the facilitationof intraluminal medical procedures, said system comprising a firstcatheter, a catheter extension, and a control member; wherein saidcatheter extension comprises a proximal end; wherein said control memberis attached to at least the proximal end of said catheter extension andextending proximally therefrom; wherein said catheter extension isslidably arranged within said first catheter, and further wherein saidcatheter extension and said first catheter together define a contiguouschannel for aspiration of at least one of fluid and debris from saidliving beings; wherein said contiguous aspiration channel that isdefined by said first catheter is of a larger cross-sectional area thansaid contiguous aspiration channel defined by said catheter extension;and wherein said catheter extension has a length that is less than thatof said first catheter.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said catheterextension is of tubular form and further comprises a distal end, withsaid proximal end having an outside diameter being larger than theoutside diameter of said distal end.
 3. The system of claim 2, whereinsaid extension channel in said catheter extension is larger at saidproximal end than at said distal end.
 4. The system of claim 1, whereinsaid control member comprises a guide-wire passageway arranged betweenits proximal and distal ends to slidably accept a guide-wire.
 5. Thesystem of claim 4, wherein said guide-wire comprises a distal protectionballoon.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein said control member comprisesa fluid passageway arranged between its proximal and distal ends, withsaid fluid passageway arranged such that a fluid may be introduced atsaid proximal end and may exit said fluid passageway at said distal end.7. The system of claim 6, wherein said fluid comprises infusate, saline,contrast media, drugs, biologically active agents, or any combinationsthereof.
 8. The system of claim 6, wherein said control member furthercomprises a guide-wire passageway arranged between its proximal anddistal ends to slidably accept a guide-wire.
 9. The system of claim 6,wherein said contiguous channel is attached to a vacuum source whereinsaid contiguous channel serves to remove said fluid together with anydebris which may be created during said procedure.
 10. The system ofclaim 6, wherein said introduction of said fluid is at a first flow rateand said removal of said fluid together with any debris is performed ata second and higher flow rate.
 11. The system of claim 6, wherein saidfluid passageway is arranged to introduce said fluid in the form offluid jets.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein said fluid jets aredirected radially from said distal end of said fluid passageway.
 13. Thesystem of claim 11, wherein said fluid jets are arranged to beintroduced coaxially with said catheter extension, and directed intosaid extension channel therein.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein saidcontiguous channel comprises a guide-wire passageway arranged toslidably accept a guide-wire.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein saiddistal end of said control member is arranged to slidably accept saidguide-wire.
 16. The system of claim 1, wherein said channel of saidfirst catheter comprises a guide-wire passageway arranged to slidablyaccept a guide-wire, and further wherein said extension channel of saidcatheter extension does not comprise said guide wire passageway.
 17. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a third lumen, said third lumenhaving a proximal end and a distal end, with said third lumen extendingthrough the channel in said first catheter from at least said distal endto at least said proximal end, said third lumen being arranged toslidably accept a guide wire.
 18. A system for accessing lumens inliving beings for the facilitation of intraluminal medical procedures,said system comprising a first catheter, a catheter extension, aguidewire, and a control member; (a) wherein said first catheter has aproximal end and a distal end with a channel therebetween, and beingarranged to slidably and telescopically accept said catheter extensionin said channel with said catheter extension, thereby creating anoverlapping segment, (b) wherein said catheter extension comprises aproximal end and a distal end with an extension channel therebetween,with said channel and said extension channel operating together to forma contiguous channel, further wherein said guidewire passes through atleast a portion of said first catheter but does not pass through saidextension channel, and (c) wherein said control member has a proximaland a distal end with an elongate body arranged therebetween, and withsaid control member being attached to at least the proximal end of saidcatheter extension, and said elongate body of said control memberextending at least to the proximal end of said first catheter, with saidcontrol member being arranged to cause axial movement of said catheterextension with respect to said first catheter in response to anapplication of axial force at the proximal end of said control member.19. A system for accessing lumens in living beings for the facilitationof intraluminal medical procedures, said system comprising a firstcatheter, a catheter extension, and a control member; (a) wherein saidfirst catheter has a proximal end and a distal end with a channeltherebetween, and being arranged to slidably and telescopically acceptsaid catheter extension in said channel with said catheter extension,thereby creating an overlapping segment, (b) wherein said catheterextension comprises a proximal end and a distal end with an extensionchannel therebetween, with said channel and said extension channeloperating together to form a contiguous channel, said contiguous channelbeing arranged for bi-directional flow of infusate fluid into, andaspirate fluid out of, said living beings, and (c) wherein said controlmember has a proximal and a distal end with said distal end of saidcontrol member being attached to said catheter extension, and saidproximal end of said control member extending at least to the proximalend of said first catheter, with said control member being arranged tocause said catheter extension to be at least partially retracted intosaid channel in said first catheter upon the application of an axialpulling force at the proximal end of said control member.
 20. The systemof claim 19, further wherein said control member is arranged to causesaid catheter extension to rotate in said first catheter upon theapplication of a twisting force at the proximal end of said controlmember.
 21. The system of claim 1, wherein said control member comprisesa lumen from its proximal end to a plurality of openings at or near itsdistal end.
 22. The system of claim 21, wherein said control member isarranged to deliver infusate fluid.
 23. The system of claim 19, whereinsaid control member comprises a lumen from its proximal end to aplurality of openings at or near its distal end.
 24. The system of claim23, wherein said control member is arranged to deliver infusate fluid.25. The system of claim 24, wherein said first catheter channel isarranged to aspirate fluid from said living beings.
 26. The system ofclaim 19, wherein said extension channel has a length that is less thanthat of said channel.
 27. The system of claim 1, arranged for infusionand aspiration of fluid.
 28. The system of claim 1, wherein said controlmember has a proximal end and a distal end with an elongate bodyarranged therebetween, and with said control member being attached to atleast the proximal end of said catheter extension, and said elongatebody of said control member extending at least to the proximal end ofsaid first catheter, with said control member being arranged to causeaxial movement of said catheter extension with respect to said firstcatheter in response to an application of axial force at the proximalend of said control member.